29 November 2011

United Voice National Office

United Voice members work in industries where the decisions of governments may often have a critical influence on their working conditions and the ability of their employer to improve their wages and conditions. In addition, the standard of living of United Voice members is directly affected by the decisions of governments in a range of areas such as healthcare, education, the environment and retirement incomes.

The role of the Political Campaign Coordinator is to develop and implement strategies to build institutional and electoral influence for United Voice members. The role also coordinates the activities of political officers in branches.

The National Political Campaign Coordinator's duties include:

• Coordinating internal political networks, including the political coordinators' network

• Supporting branches in their political work where appropriate and maintaining an ongoing understanding of national political priorities

• Coordinating relationships with Federal MPs, staffers and departments

• Coordinating national United Voice input into ALP policy

• Coordinating United Voice involvement in ALP National Left Structures

• Providing strategic political support to national United Voice campaigns, including Big Steps in ECEC, Fair Share for Aged Care, Clean Start and First Star

• Building links with like-minded community, interest and non-government groups

• Coordination of a political education and mobilisation programme for officials and staff of the National office.

Activities undertaken by the Political Coordinator in support of these goals include but are not limited to:

• Representing United Voice at meetings and conferences including making presentations and representations of union positions and views

• Contributing to internal policy and strategy discussions at a national level

• Actively seeking and maintaining both formal and informal strategic political relationships on behalf of the United Voice

• Pursuing active involvement within the ALP and the ACTU political networks at a national level

• Coordinating regular meetings of the internal political network and ensuring a national flow of political information

• Coordinating with National Office Leads and Executive to ensure that campaigns are properly supported with political engagement and strategy support

• Electoral profiling and maintaining membership information

• Producing reports and submissions on political activity, planning and strategy and input into wider United Voice policy and strategy documents where appropriate

• Coordinating National Office officials and staff involvement in political activity on behalf of United Voice, such as attendance at rallies, events, meetings and conferences. Providing information and education about various avenues for political activity.

The skills required for position are:

• A good knowledge of the Australian political system, the history, structure and directions of the ALP, and its relationship with the union movement

• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to liaise effectively with senior political figures

• Ability to readily adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and work under pressure

• A commitment to the union's values

Previous experience in political campaigning is highly desirable.

Tertiary level qualifications are preferred but not essential.

The position is based in Sydney and involves interstate travel.

This maternity leave role will last approximately 12 months and has the potential for further employment for the right candidate. Application closing date 16 December 2011.

Please address applications to: Louise Tarrant, National Secretary, United Voice, Locked Bag 9 Haymarket NSW 1240, fax 02 9281 4480 or email info@unitedvoice.org.au

COB 16 December 2011

David McElrea

02 8204 3000.